Better known as the rotund half of the classic comedy duo Laurel and Hardy, Oliver Hardy had an early career as a solo silent comic, often as a heavy in supporting roles. This collection of eight films reveals the evolution of Hardy's comic mastery as well as showcasing many lesser-known stars of the slapstick era.

The Show 1922 25 min. Dir: Larry Semon and Norman Taurog
Comic Larry Semon, director and star, is a prop manager at a vaudeville show under villainous stage manager Ollie.

Stick Around 1925 24 min. Dir: Ward Hayes
Wallpapering a sanatorium is the job of the day for Blatz and Blatz Paperhangers. Working with Bobby Ray, Ollie here explores the overbearing boss persona he'd later perfect with Stan Laurel.

Along Came Auntie 1926 23 min. Dir: Fred Guiol and Richard Wallace
In order to inherit $100,000 in diamonds from her visiting auntie, Vivian Oakland must pretend to be married to her ex-husband, a ridiculous musician (Hardy).

45 Minutes from Hollywood
1926 21 min. Dir: Fred Guiol
A country boy (Glenn Tryon) arrives in Hollywood and encounters a strange collection of characters, including a clueless hotel detective (Hardy) and a cross-dressing thief (Laurel). This is Laurel and Hardy's first collaboration under Hal Roach .

Crazy to Act
1927 25 min. Dir: Earl Rodney
Ollie is a hapless, but rich, suitor who'll do anything for his future wife (Mildred June), even make a movie. This is Ollie's final film with producer Max Sennett.

The Sawmill
1921 25 min. Dir: Larry Semon and Norman Taurog
Larry Semon, Ollie's frequent collaborator, stars as a dimwitted logger competing with a whip-wielding foreman (Hardy) for the boss's daughter. The sawmill used in the epic film is a fully functional one, built exclusively for this production.

Should Sailors Marry? 1925 18 min. Dir: James Parrott and Jess Robbins
Home from the navy, Clyde Cook is ready to settle down with his new bride, oblivious to her ex-husband, a brutal wrestler, who rooms in her home.

Hop to It! 1925 23 min. Dir: Ted Burnstein
Before partnering with Stan Laurel, Ollie often teamed with the hilarious Bobby Ray. Here they enact a bellhop routine that is the slapstick quintessence.

Special editions produced by Eric Lange and Serge Bromberg
Music by Eric Le Guen
Licensed from Lobster Films
Special Contents of This Edition 2005 Lobster Films